Philip Edward "Phil" Hartman (September 24, 1948May 28, 1998; born
Hartmann) was a Canadian-American actor, voice artist, comedian, screenwriter, and graphic artist. Born in
Brantford, Ontario, Hartman and his family moved to the United States in 1958. After graduating from
California State University, Northridge, with a degree in graphic arts, he designed album covers for bands like
Poco and
America. Feeling the need for a more creative outlet, Hartman joined the comedy group
The Groundlings in 1975 and there helped comedian
Paul Reubens develop his character
Pee-wee Herman. Hartman co-wrote the screenplay for the film
Pee-wee's Big Adventure and made recurring appearances on Reubens' show
Pee-wee's Playhouse.